FIA takes action after “mini-DRS” scandal: Formula 1 rear wing flexibility rule with immediate effect

Formula 1 teams will face more rigorous tests from the FIA ​​(Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) regarding the flexibility of the rear wing of their single-seaters.

The forum’s decision will take effect immediately, starting this weekend, when the Chinese Grand Prix takes place.

The FIA ​​carefully monitored the deformations that the rear wings had during the Australian Grand Prix.

Some cars were fitted with additional cameras to capture images of the rear wings in action at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit, and reference point stickers were also affixed to assist with FIA monitoring.

The FIA’s clear conclusion was that tougher tests on rear wings were immediately needed, reports Autoracer.it .

Previously, the regulation allowed a variation of up to 2 millimeters in the space between the main plane and the rear wing flap under a load of 75 kilograms.

Starting with the Chinese Grand Prix, this limit will be reduced to 0.5 millimeters, with an additional tolerance of 0.25 millimeters for this race, given the short implementation timeframe.

Thus, for the race in China, the maximum allowed variation will be 0.75 millimeters, and starting with the next stage, the limit will be strictly 0.5 millimeters.

The World Forum announced that all teams were found to be in compliance with Article 3.15.17, and their wings were deemed legal for the duration of the Australian Open.

The rule was tightened by the FIA ​​after several complaints targeting Ferrari and McLaren cars, which were accused by Red Bull in particular of using a “mini-DRS” to gain a speed advantage in a straight line.

All teams have been informed of these changes and will have to comply with the new standards starting this weekend to avoid potential penalties.

The regulation also states that the DRS body position can now only be in the open or closed state, with no legality for any flexing while driving.

It should be recalled that starting with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona (on June 1), the FIA ​​will introduce tougher strength tests for front wings as well.

Formula 1 standings after the Australian Grand Prix

• 1 Lando Norris / McLaren / 25 points
• 2 Max Verstappen / Red Bull / 18 points
• 3 George Russell / Mercedes / 15 points
• 4 Andrea Kimi Antonelli / Mercedes / 12
• 5 Alexander Albon / Williams / 10
• 6 Lance Stroll / Aston Martin / 8
• 7 Nico Hulkenberg / Kick Sauber / 6
• 8 Charles Leclerc / Ferrari / 4
• 9 Oscar Piastrí / McLaren / 2
• 10 Lewis Hamilton / Ferrari / 1.

Builder hierarchy

• 1 McLaren 27 points
• 2 Mercedes 27
• 3 Red Bull 18
• 4 Williams 10
• 5 Aston Martin 8
• 6 Kick Sauber 6
• 7 Ferraris 5
• 8 Alpine 0
• 9 Racing Bulls 0
• 10 Haas 0

The Grand Prix of the 2025 Formula 1 season

• Australia (Albert Park)
• China (Shanghai) – March 23
• Japan (Suzuka) – April 6
• Bahrain (Sakhir) – April 13
• Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) – April 20
• Miami (International Autodrome) – May 4
• Emilia Romagna (Imola) – May 18
• Monaco (Circuit de Monaco) – May 25
• Barcelona (Montmelo) – June 1
• Canada (Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal) – June 15
• Austria (Spielberg) – June 29
• Great Britain (Silverstone) – July 6
• Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) – July 27
• Hungary (Hungaroring) – August 3
• The Netherlands (Zandvoort) – August 31
• Italy (Monza) – September 7
• Azerbaijan (Baku) – September 21
• Singapore (Marina Bay) – October 5
• USA (Austin) – October 19
• Mexico (Hermanos Rodriguez) – October 26
• Sao Paulo (Interlagos) – November 9
• Las Vegas (Nevada) – November 22
• Qatar (Lusail) – November 30
• Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) – December 7.

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